Andrew alexa



A. ALEXA.

APPLICATION FILED JULY 6. I918.

1 22,669. Patented Nov. 25. 1919.

14 1772 maps.

ANDREW ALEXA, OF AMASA, MICHIGAN.

Specification of Iietters Patent.

Patented Nov. 25,1919.

Application filed July 6, 1918. Serial No. 243,641.

To all whom itmay concern.-

vBe it known that I, ANDREW ALEXA, a citizen of the United States, residing at Amasa, in the county of Iron and State of Michigan, have invented new and useful Improve ments in Axes, of which the followingis a specification.

This invention relates to axes, and one object is to provide in a tool of the type indicated, a detachable cutting blade or bit for the purpose of permitting the renewal of the bit when required by reasonof the dulling of the latter, or the fracture of any portion thereof.

A further object is to provide in a tool of the type indicated a head having a recess formed therein, extending centrally and longitudinally with reference to the head, and proportioned toreceive the tongue of the cutting blade or bit formed as described below. A still further object is to provide a head formed as specified and adapted to receive a cutting blade or bit, with locking means extending through the edge portion of the head and engaging the shank portion of the cutting bit, for the purpose of looking the latter securely in position, and permitting of its easy and prompt removal when it is desired to remove the bit and substitute another bit.

With the foregoing and other objects in view, the invention consists in the novel construction, combination and arrangement of elements hereinafter described and claimed.

In the drawings- Figure 1 is a perspective view of the ax,

Fig. 2 is a fragmentary view in section,

Fig. 3 is a transverse section, intersecting the bore of the locking pin,

Fig. 4 is a view in perspective showing the elements-of the device detached.

The head of the ax is designated 10, and it is provided with the usual opening 12 for the handle. 7

The head 10 is cut away. centrally and longitudinally to provide a recess 15, the edge portions of which are provided with channels 16, 17 and 18, receiving the tongues or ribs 20, 21 and 22 formed on the sides of the tongue 23, of the cutting blade or bit 24.

By means of the construction last described, I form a tongue and groove connection between all abutting edge portions of the head and cutting blade or bit.

One side of the head is provided with a channel or groove 30 communicating with a bore 81, accommodating a locking bolt 32, movable withln said bore lnto engagement with a bore or recess 33 in the tongue 23.

This provides for positively retaining the cutting bit in proper position with reference to the head. A pivotedarm or lever 35 is carried by the end of the locking bolt, and when the latter is in engaging position the pivoted member is shown into position within the channel 30 thereby providing for counter-sinking the end of the locking bolt and the lever. The element last named is provided with a rough surface on opposite sides thereof, permitting engagement between the thumb and fingers in order to permit of the swinging of the lever when withdrawing the locking bolt. Cutaway portions 36 and 37 are located as shown for purposes readily apparent."

In withdrawing the locking bolt by throwing the lever to a position opposite to that occupied when within the channel 30, the

edge portion designated 38 acts as a fulcrum for the lever during the'operation' of withdrawing the locking bolt.

The pin 32 is providedwith an offset 32 engaging a recess 41 opening into the bore 30. -When inserting the pin into the bore the offset portion enters the cutaway portion 42 communicating with the bore, and the pin is turned through a partial revolution in order that the offset member may engage the recess referred to, this construction positively locking the pin in position. The spring held pin 44 operating within a bore 45 in pin 32 engages a notch 46 in the pivoted member 35 and retains the latter in the position shown in Fig. 2, preventing the release of the locking device until thrown to inoperative position, for the purpose of releasing the cutting blade.

The advantages of this construction will be readily understood, but it may be mentioned that it is onlynecessary for the woodman to carry a number of extra cutting blades or bits in order to be amply supplied for any given time, thereby making it unnecessary for him to burden himself with several axes or ax heads. In unfrequented localities much depends upon having a tool of this kind in proper condition. With the device described, no ordinary accident can deprive the individual of the full useof the tool at all times.

7 What is claimed is:

1. In an ax, a head provided with a bore i extending into the body of the head fromone edge portion thereof, a channel in said edge portion cOmlnunicating With the bore, a I

pin mounted in the bore, a detachable cutting blade engaged by the pin, and a lever pivoted totheend of the pin and resting \vithin' thechannelwhen' the pin s in engaging position, and resiliently mounted means carried by the pin and engaging the lever, fornormally retannngthe latter wlthin the channel, saidlever being :fulcrumed on the .edge of the head adJaCent to the bore When the pin is thrown to inoperative position.

2.In an:ax,a l'lBfl'dPI'OVlClGCl with a bore extending into the body ofthe head from one edge portion thereof, a channeliin said recess beingprovided in thehead at the entranceof the bore and at right angles to the channel 'a locking p111 lncludin'g 'anofiset :cooperating with the recesses, an element pivoted to the pin and adapted to rest in the channel when the pinvis locked, and means carried by the pin and engaging: the pivoted element, for normally retaining the latter wlthln the channel, and a detachable cnttlng blade engaged by the pin.

In testimony Whereofl aflixmy signature.

ANDREW; ALEXA. 

